The Golden Rule for the Pool: Swimmer Etiquette, Part 1

If you’re used to swimming at a public pool, you know how annoying it can be when others don’t use proper pool etiquette. Let’s give them the benefit of the doubt, though, shall we? Maybe they just don’t know. Well, here’s the post you can share with your favorite (or not-so-favorite) fellow swimmers to let them in on how the Golden Rule applies in the pool.

Follow the Black Line

We get it: when you’re swimming laps, you’re in your own little world. You aren’t looking at or considering anyone else. Well, carry on. But at least take a moment to focus your attention on that black line staring back at you from the bottom of the pool. If you end up slapping someone in a neighboring lane, well, you can probably understand why they might be a bit miffed.

Don’t Take Free Rides

If you’re behind another swimmer in the lane and can pass them, go ahead. But don’t remain behind the person, enjoying the draft. Even worse, don’t get close enough to tickle their toes. If they wanted a tickle fight, they wouldn’t have jumped in the pool. Just go ahead and pass and get it over with, already.

Choose the Appropriate Lane

In addition to separating the pool into several lanes, did you know that each lane has a purpose? Check the sign at the end of a lane before entering it. If you’re a slow swimmer or prefer to swim at a more leisurely pace, move to a chuffing lane. If you’re a fast swimmer, don’t risk mowing others down; instead, move to a faster lane. On that note, it doesn’t matter who you are: if someone is close behind you, let them pass. A polite foot tap should signal to you that someone wants to pass. Don’t make them do so in the center of the lane; just swallow your pride and move over.

Turn Carefully and Avoid Collisions

Just like when you’re driving and you observe the rules of the road in order to avoid a collision, you should turn at the right time when you’re in the pool. That means at the left corner or middle of your lane. By doing that, you’ll run less of a risk for a head-on collision, never mind getting a fist in your face or a finger flicked your way.

Move Over for Others

Maybe you started strong, ready to overtake other swimmers in your lane, but now you’re nearing the end of your swim, and you’re exhausted. It happens to the best of us. There’s no shame in it. But truly, when it hits, you just need to own it and get out of the way. On a similar note, if you see another swimmer swimming toward you and ready to turn, don’t push off just before he or she does so. Just don’t.

In addition to these tips for pool etiquette while swimming laps, there are a few that anyone entering a public pool for any reason should consider.

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